Fraternities are misogynist traps, so the media tells us. What with the sexual abuse claims and frightening features on the dark environment of Greek life, it’s enough to think that there are no gentlemen left on college campuses. The Network of Enlightened Women is on a mission to smash that stereotype with their sixth annual “Gentlemen Showcase” to highlight upstanding young men who proven chivalry is not dead. More from the new campaign website:
The Gentlemen Showcase is an annual national contest sponsored by the Network of enlightened Women (NeW) to recognize and honor young gentlemen, because yes, young gentlemen do exist.
Despite what you may have read in the news lately, many young men are polite, act with integrity, and treat everyone with the respect they deserve. We want to honor those young men—and encourage more of them.
The contest is divided into two categories: the College Contest, which recognizes undergraduate students, and the Under 30 Contest, which honors graduate students and young professionals. The undergraduate victor will receive a $500 scholarship and the under 30 winner will be awarded with a dinner for two. Oh, and there’s something in it for you too: Should your nominated guy win, you will receive a $100 Amazon gift card.
Last year’s NeW Gentleman of the Year, Ivan Yim, is a student at the University of Florida. He is a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and was recognized, in part, for his efforts on behalf of the NaviGators, an organization that helps international students become acclimated to campus.
In addition to the increase in age eligibility, another new feature in the "Gentlemen's Showcase" this year is that the organization is now recognizing male celebrities who have demonstrated gallant behavior in Hollywood. For instance, “Grey’s Anatomy” actor Patrick Dempsey is nominated for his heroic effort last year to save a teenage driver from a terrifying crash in his front yard and NBC’s Al Roker is nominated for his 34-hour “Rokerthon” weather report, where he raised over $70,000 for the Armed Services. You can vote for your favorite celebrity gent online and use the hashtag #gents2015 should you want to publicly display your affection.
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This contest is needed at a time when the media seems merciless toward college fraternities. Most recently, Rolling Stone’s Sabrina Rubin Erdely appeared much too eager to report on an alleged gang rape at the University of Virginia. That story, which turned out to be very misleading, ending up pressuring the university to close the fraternity in question and tarnishing those young men’s reputations.
Thankfully, however, we have groups like NeW that are willing to seek out true gentlemen and help give them a good rap once again.
If you have a young man in mind you believe is worthy of the “Gentlemen’s Showcase,” go to www.gentshowcase.com and show him your appreciation with a nomination!
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